| In today's global society, having friends, loved ones and | | | | giving your credit card information to unknown |
| business associates in other countries has become | | | | companies in other countries. Stick to recognized |
| commonplace. Fortunately, new online technologies and | | | | florists you know and trust.What is the best floral gift |
| innovative international florists make it easier than ever | | | | to send? That depends on the occasion, sentiment, |
| to show you care and celebrate life's special moments | | | | season, and local customs. When it's winter in the |
| with flowers delivered worldwide.Flowers are a | | | | northern hemisphere, it's summer in the southern |
| language understood the world over, but until recently, | | | | hemisphere. So, flower availability varies. Customs |
| sending flowers internationally was difficult at best. | | | | vary, too. For example, in some countries white |
| Language barriers, time zone differences, currency | | | | flowers are most appropriate for a funeral. In others, |
| exchange rates, seasonal variations in flower | | | | white flowers may be a sign of disrespect. Similarly, in |
| availability, and even differing local customs made | | | | Western Europe and much of the Far East, wrapped |
| flower sending across continents a daunting task. | | | | flowers are more popular gifts than arranged flowers. |
| Fortunately, all that has changed, thanks largely to | | | | How do you navigate these kinds of international |
| advancements in global telecommunications, the | | | | issues? It's actually quite easy, because the florists in |
| Internet, and international florist networks. Today, | | | | each country are experts at what are the best values |
| international flower delivery is surprisingly easy to most | | | | and most appropriate styles in their locales. Simply |
| major metropolitan areas of the free world. Some of | | | | allow a little latitude, so they can do what they do best. |
| the countries may even surprise you.Today's | | | | Some of the better international florists online do this |
| international florists deliver to more than 140 countries | | | | for you, by offering only a few of the best international |
| -- from Brazil to Thailand and Australia to Turkey -- | | | | floral gifts and prices. Each is filled to value by skilled |
| with delivery to most areas normally within just one or | | | | florists in keeping with local styles and availability. So, |
| two business days. Some of the most popular | | | | while specific flower types will vary, your gift is always |
| bouquet destinations include the United Kingdom, | | | | appropriate for the occasion and area.What are some |
| France, Germany, Italy, and other western European | | | | other good tips to keep in mind? Order early. While |
| nations, but deliveries to Japan, Mexico, Singapore, and | | | | international flower delivery is available next-day or |
| the Mideast are growing in popularity, too. Of course, | | | | even same-day in many areas, service varies by |
| there are a few areas with little or no floral delivery | | | | region, and delays are sometimes unavoidable. If |
| service due to political, economic, or geographic | | | | possible, order a few days or even a week in |
| constraints. Some of these more difficult areas include | | | | advance. Then, if any question arises, there's plenty of |
| the Congo, Cuba, Ghana, Haiti, Nigeria, portions of the | | | | time to clarify an address or forward additional |
| former Soviet Union, and any extremely remote or | | | | information. It's well worth the effort, when you think of |
| rural areas. As a rule of thumb, however, you can | | | | how much impact your gift will have. Don't skimp on |
| easily send flowers to most cities and suburbs of | | | | price when sending flowers overseas either. It's a lot |
| developed countries in the free world. So, whether for | | | | less expensive than you might think, but you still want |
| a birthday, get well, anniversary, new baby, promotion, | | | | to allow an ample budget for the nicest flowers and |
| funeral, or almost any occasion, you can send flowers | | | | best service.Think of it you; can touch someone's |
| with confidence across continents.What is the best | | | | heart almost anywhere in the world with a beautiful gift |
| way to send flowers overseas? Simply order online | | | | of flowers. Just order online or call your local florist. It's |
| with your favorite Internet florist, or ask your local florist | | | | a great way to stay close to people far away. After |
| to forward your order for you. Most florists are linked | | | | all, nothing says, "I love you," "I miss you," or "You're |
| to other great florists around the world through FTD, | | | | special to me" like fresh flowers with your personal |
| Teleflora, Interflora, and similar associations that | | | | message -- especial when they're sent half way |
| facilitate reliable worldwide delivery. If you prefer to | | | | around the world.***By John E. Williams with special |
| order flowers online, you'll find helpful resources at | | | | thanks to 1-800-FLORALS florist, providing USA, |
| Other respected international florist sites include | | | | Canada, and international flowers delivery. |
| ftd.com, teleflora.com, and Of course, be wary of | | | | |